Alicia Read online

  “Disabuse your mind of the fear that I shall cut you, my dear. I am proud of the way you have taken hold after such a shock and have nothing but admiration for you. I shall bring Cassandra with me. Felicia may lack for company for a while,” she said thoughtfully.

  “Yes, I fear that is so. You have been much too good to us, Lady Gorham, and I only hope that one day we shall be able to return your kindness.”

  Alicia and her daughter were sent off in a flood of tears and hugs in a post-chaise Alicia insisted on hiring, much against Lady Gorham’s wishes. Their trunks were strapped to the carriage; a carter had been hired to bring forward the remainder of their possessions in two weeks’ time. Felicia gave a last forlorn wave at the diminishing figures and sat silent beside her mother for a while.

  At sixteen Felicia had had a most unusual upbringing, since she had seen her father rarely more often than once a year when he came to Katterly Grange to assure himself that everything possible was being done to produce the maximum rents from his tenants and the minimum expenditure in the household. He had paid no attention to Felicia at all on these visits, and had verbally abused her mother during the entire length of his stays.

  There had been neighbors who had refused to include Felicia in their amusements because of the strange situation at the Grange. But there were also those kindhearted people who accepted the laughing, spirited girl on her own merit. And these last few years the resistance of even the most hardnosed had been broken down as their youthful offspring (frequently male) had insisted that Felicia be a part of their activities. She was fiercely loyal to her mother; over the years she had heard comments enough which had sparked a strong protectiveness in her toward Alicia. But she was only sixteen and occasionally a stubborn streak of selfishness asserted itself, as was only natural. She was ashamed when she hurt her mother, because she was more aware than most young women of her age just how much her mother had done for her, and how much Alicia had had to bear through no fault of her own.

  Now Felicia tried to imagine the life she would lead in Tetterton and it frightened her. She would know absolutely no one there, and she would not be accepted by those young women of family that she was used to associating with. Felicia unconsciously lifted her chin, but her stiff upper lip quivered slightly.

  Alicia leaned over and hugged her daughter tightly to her. She was not unaware of the girl’s feelings on this occasion and they laid an almost unbearable burden on her. The need to reassure her daughter helped to distract her from her own misgivings.

  “You know, my dear, when first I came to the Grange I knew not a soul in the area. It was not so very long, though, before I called it home. And now we have such friends as Lady Gorham and Cassandra to come and visit us in our new home. You will be surprised at how quickly you adjust. I think what I shall like best is that there are just the two of us to make a go of it. There will be no interference and no pressure but for ourselves.” Alicia pinched her daughter’s cheek affectionately. “You were never one to be without friends, even when some in the neighborhood were set against us.”

  “But, Mama, how shall I know how to go on? What I mean is, I am so used to being on easy terms with people of quality that I fear I shall appear encroaching to those in Tetterton.”

  “I am persuaded that we shall just have to take our cue from those we meet, love. How one can change the habits of a lifetime I do not know. I own it has been troubling me. We shall both of us have to cultivate a bit more reserve, I cannot doubt. How does any poor relation become a companion? How does one act the role of a governess? It cannot be easy for anyone of reduced circumstances to reshape her life, but it is obviously done all the time. You must prepare yourself for snubs and slights until you hit on the behavior expected of you. Frankly, Felicia, I would hate to see you any different than you are now.”

  “What will happen if some accept me and others do not? You know that Jack Miller convinced his mother to have me to Luella’s ball. What if something of that nature should happen again?”

  Alicia regarded the lovely face turned up to her. It would happen again, she had not the least doubt. “We shall deal with events as they arise, my dear. I can make no pronouncements without knowing the circumstances. Just do not be disappointed if it seems wisest to refuse some treat you would dearly love to take part in.”

  Good God, what was she saying? You could not tell a girl of this age not to be disappointed. There was bound to be disappointment, and heartache, and sorrow beyond measure for such a child. She would make it as easy as she could for Felicia, she promised herself, but her heart sank at the prospect.

  Felicia steadily regarded her mother with her uncompromising blue eyes. “Mama, you must not think that I intend to mope about this. I do not blame you. Why, we should be in the suds in no time if we did not go into...trade.”

  “Yes, Felicia, but I am sorrier than I can ever say that you should be brought to such a pass.”

  “Well, I hope you will not say so again,” Felicia retorted. “It is not your fault but Papa’s.”

  “We will not go into that,” Alicia replied firmly. “Look, we are joining the Bridlington Road now. I am relieved that we do not pass the Grange. One parting is enough.”

  They were silent for some time when Alicia remarked, “Some of the hats Mr. Dean sells appeared a bit frumpy to me. Do you think you could do something for them, with the resources we will have?”

  “Oh, I should dearly love to get my hands on that straw bonnet with the high crown and small brim. The crown should be ribboned with a blue velvet band. It would make all the difference. And the lavender helmet would be all the better for a trimming of white lace. You mean I may work on them?” she asked eagerly.

  “Why, of course, my angel. But not in the shop. You shall have what you need in the cottage. Not that I intend you shall spend all your time working, mind you. You will want to get to know the town. And I shall need to make some provision for a horse for you. Perhaps the Feather and Flask would make an arrangement with us.”

  Chapter Three

  As the post-chaise came out of the forest, they caught sight of the inn almost immediately. Even though the day was gray, the brick building looked welcoming. The green across from the row of shops was now occupied by the stalls and booths of a country fair and Felicia squealed with delight.

  “Oh, what a crowd. There is a Punch and Judy show! May we go, Mama? Please say we may.” Felicia sounded like the child she should have been, if the harsh realities of life had not forced themselves on her. Alicia nodded her amused agreement, but insisted that they claim their room first. When they presented themselves to the landlord, however, he was apologetic and harassed.

  “Oh, my lady, I saved your room for you just as I promised, but I cannot get the gentleman out of it! He came last night and I said as how he could have the room for one night, but it was spoken for from today. He agreed to such an arrangement, but he will not budge now. Him be out to the fair and left his man in the room. What with all the activity, I have not another bed in the house, not a shakedown or sofa not occupied.”

  Alicia regarded him quizzingly. “Surely a man of your size should be able to move a gentleman’s valet from a room. My daughter and I have been promised a room and I assure you that we intend to have it, since we must. Would you prefer that I route this interloper?”

  The landlord smiled reluctantly at her. “No, my lady. I can handle it better’n you. Would you care to rest yourselves in the parlor for a moment?”

  Alicia agreed to do so, and led Felicia into the oak-paneled parlor, where they seated themselves comfortably on the two winged chairs provided there. They grinned at each other when they heard a disturbance on the floor above them and it was some time before the landlord arrived to announce, “Your room is ready, Lady Coombs. My wife has set things to order and I will show you there myself. Your trunks will be sent up directly.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Harper. We appreciate your efforts,” Alicia remarked, a wide grin br
inging out her dimples. “I hope we have not lost you any important custom.”

  “I assure you I never set eyes on the young man before in my life,” he proclaimed.

  When Alicia and her daughter had refreshed themselves and bestowed those belongings they would need immediately from their trunks, they descended again to the ground floor, assured the landlord that everything was to their liking, and emerged into the cloudy afternoon to view the fair. There were a myriad of delights to fascinate Felicia—marionette performances, a ropewalker, a trained monkey, the Punch and Judy show, a skittle alley, and a gambling booth. There was even a small roundabout and a fiddler. Felicia watched a sword swallower with amazement and bought a sweet from the bellowing vendor. She ate this treat while she watched a young man at the shooting gallery miss his target each time, amidst the good-natured disparagements of his companions.

  Alicia delighted in her daughter’s enjoyment of the festivities and laughingly suggested that it would be wisest not to buy a ballad from the young man hawking them, as they were like to bring a blush to her face. Felicia wandered on and eventually settled before the Punch and Judy show, her countenance reflecting the vicissitudes of that age-old entertainment. Alicia was more interested in the people about her and surveyed the crowds of laughing people carefully. They had discovered that this was the last day of the fair, and there was an undercurrent of reckless abandon about the partakers. Mr. Dean made his way through the viewers of the Punch and Judy show and bowed to Alicia.

  “I am delighted to see you, Lady Coombs. The fair brings more business than usual to town, so we have been busy, but I saw you a moment ago when I looked over and wished to come and welcome you to Tetterton.” Mr. Dean looked, if possible, worse than he had two weeks previously.

  “I cannot think it is wise for you to be out in this unruly crowd,” she murmured solicitously. “But we appreciate your welcome. I intend to come round first thing in the morning to start learning the business. Mr. Allerton is still agreeable to staying on?”

  “Indeed, yes. You will find him a most admirable young man. He has been with me for two years now and knows the business as well as I do. I wonder...” He hesitated, his body resting heavily on his cane.

  “Please do not hesitate to speak your mind, Mr. Dean.”

  “I have not been quite up to pluck these last weeks and wonder if you would mind if I left next week when the papers will be signed. I had intended to stay on a bit to assist you, but I fear in my present condition I shall not be of much use.”

  “I would have you do just as is best for you. Mr. Allerton can assist me in my learning, and Felicia and I look forward to moving into your charming cottage.”

  Mr. Dean sighed with relief. “As soon as the papers are signed then I shall plan to leave. I appreciate your consideration, Lady Coombs.”

  “Not a bit. Things are like to work out just as well for all of us this way. Now I hope you will not let me keep you standing here in this press. I shall see you in the morning.”

  When Mr. Dean had wandered off, Alicia’s attention was caught by an altercation taking place to the rear of her. She was about to turn to see the speaker, but the angry words froze her.

  “The damn fellow has put me out of my room! Griggs, my valet, you know, just came to tell me. I left him there to hold it for me, and he has let himself be forcefully put out, along with all my belongings,” the whining voice persisted.

  “To hold it for you? Why should you need to leave him to hold it for you?” a lazy voice queried.

  “Stupid oaf of a landlord said it was reserved for...You won’t believe this, Stronbert...said it was reserved for Lady Coombs. You remember Sir Frederick,” the speaker sniggered.

  “Sir Frederick’s widow? There could be another Lady Coombs.”

  “Doubt it. I asked the fellow if she was in mourning and he assented.” The speaker obviously found this very amusing. “Wonder what brings her to such a godforsaken place. Got too hot for her at the Grange, no doubt.”

  Alicia could feel the anger and humiliation swell within her. She checked to see that Felicia was engrossed in the show and sighed with relief. The voices at her back continued.

  “Really, Parker, you have the most vivid imagination, and it is so seldom based on fact that one wearies of your tongue,” the second speaker drawled.

  “Little you know!” Parker snapped. “I had it from Westerly himself that it was Tackar who killed Sir Frederick in the duel, though I have never seen any such affair so well cloaked in secrecy.”

  “That’s enough,” the second speaker rapped out, his voice of steel.

  His companion paid no attention to him, though his tone of command had almost made Alicia jump. “And Westerly knows Tackar, who comes, you might note, from the neighborhood of the Grange. You’ve met Tackar. Me thinks there is some hanky-panky between the neglected Lady Coombs and him.”

  This was really too much for Alicia, who had gone ramrod straight as these delightful bits of gossip were spread. She spun on his concluding words and lashed her hand across his face with all the fury of her pent-up anger and mortification. His astonishment more perhaps than the pain led him to utter the bellow that followed. Even in the din of the fair this attracted a goodly amount of attention, but Alicia merely turned away from his spluttering, took Felicia’s arm firmly, and walked away from the scene.

  “Whatever happened, Mama? Why is that man so red in the face and jibbering like a monkey? Could I not see the end of the show?”

  “No, dear, for I slapped him and I think we had best depart the area,” Alicia informed her calmly.

  Felicia stopped abruptly. “You slapped him? Who is he? Why did you do it?”

  “I do not know who he is precisely—Parker, was it? No matter. He insulted me.”

  “He spoke to you?”

  “Not precisely.”

  “Then how did he insult you?” Felicia asked curiously, as she obeyed the tug at her sleeve and continued to walk toward the inn.

  “He was speaking about me, my dear, and I fear I took offense. Not such a promising start in Tetterton after all. I should have ignored him,” Alicia remarked sadly, “but somehow I could not.”

  “Never mind. Hopefully it will help him to mind his tongue in the future,” Felicia suggested.

  “Unfortunately it will probably start more tongues wagging. I should have ignored him,” she said again.

  * * * *

  When the two women had left the scene Mr. Parker was still muttering in his astonishment and rage. His companion regarded him contemptuously and said, “I tried to warn you, Parker, you fool.”

  “Warn me! How in the hell could you know that she was there? You’ve never met her, have you?”

  “No, but it did not take a vast amount of intelligence to recognize her, Parker. There is no one else at the fair in mourning clothes.” He awarded his companion a meaningful glance. “I should take it amiss, Parker, were I to hear you had spoken on the matter again.”

  Parker assumed a sullen expression and flicked a particle of dust from his immaculate coat. “Can’t see what difference it makes to you.”

  “Let us merely say that I do not wish to be painted further with your brush, Parker. You have provided me with enough entertainment for one day, and enough distress for a lifetime.”

  Parker retorted sarcastically, “Well, she has caused me distress, too. She took my room. Where am I to stay?”

  “From your description of the circumstances I should say that you attempted to take her room. You may stay at the Court for the night.”

  Parker did not seem to appreciate this coolly offered invitation. “Your mother in residence?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Rather not, then. Makes me nervous, your mother. No offense, of course.”

  “Of course. In that case I shall wish you a pleasant journey. You go to Bridlington, I believe.”

  “I had no intention of leaving until tomorrow,” Parker snapped. He recognized the de
termination in his companion’s gaze and muttered, “Might as well leave now, though, since there’s not a room to be had here. And nothing worth staying around for,” he concluded rebelliously.

  “As you say.” The two men bowed, Parker somewhat stiffly, and parted company.

  * * * *

  Alicia tossed her bonnet on the four-poster and smoothed her auburn curls carelessly. She caught sight of her reflection in the mirror next to her daughter’s. They shared the auburn curls and blue eyes, and Felicia would probably attain her medium height when grown, but there the resemblance ended. Alicia was an attractive woman, and looked younger than her thirty-four years. But her daughter, with an oval face and creamy skin, was truly beautiful. Her blue eyes held a beguiling innocence in spite of the problems she had shared with her mother. Alicia said suddenly, “It is more than six months now since your father died. I think it is time you changed to some more colorful clothes.”

  Felicia smiled impishly and retorted, “Only if you do, Mama.”

  “I must admit that I have begun to tire of black,” Alicia responded with great understatement. “Since we are not likely to offend anyone here by the lack of observance I think a change is in order. What do you say to gray?”

  “Pooh! You shall wear your dark blue and your forest green, or I shall not budge from my black.”

  Alicia shrugged with mock despair. “What am I to do with you? So be it. Dark blue for the shop tomorrow. I spoke with Mr. Dean and he expects to be out of the cottage in about a week.” Alicia walked over to the window and twitched back the draperies to obtain a view of the fair on the green. This did not afford her the pleasure it might have and she paced restlessly about the room, touching the solid mahogany furniture now and again. “Do you wish to dine in the parlor or here in the room?”